Richmond Thread Lab :: Handmade Holiday Vendor Feature

Business Name: Richmond Thread Lab

Owner:  Christie Thompson

Website: www.richmondthreadlab.com

What is the best handmade gift you've received?

My brother made me laser cut tags when I first started my business and it's become a big part of my brand now. I have them made locally at BIG SECRET in Jackson Ward now, but that first gift was exciting, inspirational, and so thoughtful. 

What is your newest crafty creation?  Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?  

My line started with women's accessories but the more I dabble in men's wear the more I love it. My hand crafted neckties have become my most popular item and I will be featuring a number of them in lush wool textures and a few in limited quantity vintage materials as well. 

Is there a story behind your shop name? 

Well my shop name just recently changed, so there's actually quite a long story involved. The line was previously named Fibre Craft and for a number of reasons, I needed a change. Richmond Thread Lab is the embodiment of what I hope to achieve through my line: it's about harnessing the creative energy and inspiration of Richmond through hand crafted experimentation. I have plans for collaborations with local people and businesses as well as dreams to someday create a space for artisans and makers to share resources and learn from one another.  

Describe your studio.

My studio is full of natural light, usually a sleeping (or meowing) cat, a wall made of rocks, and a lot of carefully organized fabric. I love to create while listening to my favorite RadioLab episodes or some awesome dance music. 

What is your favorite thing about the Holidays?

The food.. and the sparkle! I love dressing up and sharing luscious meals with friends and family. You can't beat that Dolly Parton Christmas album either.. 

What are your influences?

My influences are found in the unusual use of texture, color, fabric or anything in between. My line started by recreating fabrics into something new and while I source newer fabrics more often now, I still find myself trying to use materials in ways you don't usually come across. I also find much inspiration in vintage style where quality organic and natural fibers were really valued, even in accessories. 

Handmade Holiday - Today at Art Works 11 to 5!

Sponsor Spotlight: Yelp!

We are super excited to introduce you to another sponsor: Yelp! Chances are you've already heard of (and used, right?!) Yelp to help you find great new restaurants and shops. Phil and I use it all the time when we're traveling so that we're not stuck eating Ye Same Olde Road Foode.

Since we know you're all cool enough to use Yelp (of course), but maybe you haven't found the right way to explain it to your sister yet, here ya go: Yelp is a website and mobile app that connects people to great local businesses – anything from restaurants, boutiques, and dog groomers to mechanics, hair salons, even dentists! The Yelp community is engaged locals who connect to share their opinions about local businesses. Yelp is free to use, it can guide you to that hidden gem you never knew about, and you can share your experiences through your own reviews as well.

Yelp is teaming up with the RCM and the Handmade Holiday show to give you, our lovely shoppers, F-R-E-E gift wrapping, starting at noon. Just use your phone and Yelp to check in to the show (the event is called "Yelp Wraps @ Handmade Holiday") when you get there tomorrow, and they will gussy up all those fantastic presents you're scoring. And you know, if one of those happens to be for yourself, we're not gonna tell.

So Merry Holidays, y'all. I can't WAIT for tomorrow.

Terrariums by Rich :: Handmade Holiday Vendor Feature

Business Name:  Terrariums by Rich
Owner:  Rich Perrello
Website: http://flavors.me/terrariumrich#_

What is the best handmade gift you've received? 
My parents often made our clothes and gifts. A  wooden scooter to ride around the neighborhood, made by my father. It had metal handles made out of old pipe fittings (dad was a plumber). It was easy to steer and even had a foot controlled break my dad rigged up somehow. I rode it all around the neighborhood for about a year until it finally gave out.

What is your newest crafty creation? 
I have been working on my Christmas terrariums and miniature dioramas. I call them “living ornaments”. After rigorous experimenting I have came up with a living ornament that is light enough to hang on a tree. I have also reuse light bulbs and other materials to use as vessels .

Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show? 
My living ornaments. They will make a lovely addition to any Christmas tree. 

Describe your studio. 
A disaster! Just kidding. My studio is actually my kitchen. I was getting difficult to work with, but with recent modifications I made with some lumber, tape measure and a saw, I was able to make it work. Terrariums can get messy. My best friend in my studio is the dustbuster vac. 

What is your favorite thing about the Holidays? 
Spending time with family and close friends. It is the only time of the year I see all of my 8 other siblings and my nieces and nephews.

 What are your influences?
My grandmother’s fondness of succulents and her amazing ability to make any plant grow in her city garden.  My mom’s constant dabbling into many different crafts when I was growing up, influenced me to try different hobbies. I have always been fascinated model railroad dioramas as a child. I like trains but was more intrigued by how the scenery and buildings were so small and real looking. As I have been creating more terrariums, my desire has led me in that direction, but with live plants. I also use miniatures in some of my terrariums to create a theme, making each terrarium tell its own story. My imagination and very high energy are also a strong influence.